12.02.2010

Here's a suggestion for a lovely gift made by a New Orleans artist--and friend of the family--Brandi Couvillion. I've already scooped up several for various friends. Brandi finds old keys and escutcheons from Louisiana houses--bearing art deco, or moderne, or arts and crafts designs. She burnishes and restores the pieces, and, with the artful addition of pearls and gemstones, turns them into charming necklaces. Clever. Brandi was, until recently, the CFO at the Preservation Resource Center of New Orleans; you can see where she got her inspiration for this line. To order, and see more of Brandi's work, visit her at Waregarden Studio.

Handmade and one of a kind is the way to go with holiday shopping this year; after all, you don't want to see the key to your heart dangling over everyone else's sweater, do you?

9 comments:

I am delighted to discover your blog and have read it avidly for many months. I love it...except when you start selling things. There are very few places where we are exempt from having Things for Sale pushed upon us, and I had thought your blog was one of those rare refuges. Please don't turn into yet another merchandise forum.

Dear Anonymous--and anyone else concerned with sales at Slow Love Life.....I'm not actually selling--I'm supporting artisans whose work I admire, and who make their livings by their craft. Not a penny changes hands between me and them, unlike with advertising, or with commissions. I also feel that handmade work is completely in keeping with the spirit of Slow Love Life--you can see the traces of the artist's hands, and you know that what you have is yours alone. And of course, at holiday time, people are looking for gift ideas. And I love to pass along news about things I care about. The balance of this blog will never tilt to merchandise, I can promise you.Out of hundreds of posts, I think I've put up a handful relating to "merchandise." I really appreciate your concern, and your response. But I did want to write back--especially as I am about to post another offering for tree ornaments.I hope this clarifies my intentions! d

Dominique -- pffft to Anonymous (I"m always suspect of people who are "Anonymous" when they make comments anyway...) and I do the same thing on my blog -- support independent businesses and artists that don't get attention from mainstream media and are a wonderful alternative to big box stores. I've promoted yarn from a National Historic Landmark district in New Hampshire and organic cornmeal and flour from a National Historic Landmark mill in the Pennsylvania countryside. It's my blog version of lending support to the 3/50 project -- where you try to pick three small, independent businesses and spend at least $50 a month.

You're right in positing that it's a lifestyle commentary. I suspect Anonymous is concerned that you've embarked on "pay for play" postings even though it seems pretty clear by the choice of items you are highlighting that it's probably not your motivation!

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SLOW LOVE means engaging with the world in a considered, compassionate way, appreciating the miraculous beauty of everyday moments, and celebrating the interconnected nature of life. SLOW LOVE LIFE is a place to share ways to practice daily mindfulness in the midst of our busy, productive days.

You are welcome to share images from the site, but please give credit to Dominique Browning, slowlovelife.com. Thank you!